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DOI: 10.18502/kls.v4i10.3789

Abstract

Indonesia is the third largest producer of sweet potato in the world. Most of the
people in Gunungpati, Semarang city, are farmers, but the processed agricultural
products of sweet potato have not to use optimally. The purpose of this program
is to empower the community in the management potential of sweet potato so that
it can increase the sale value of sweet potato, accelerating diversification,
and can compete in international markets — empowerment program of UMBIESS
production using method Sociopreneurship approach that is Focus Group
Discussion(FGD); Production Practice (UMBIESS production and certification of
products, packaging, and labeling, the establishment of SMEs); Cooperation
Partnership; Training and Monitoring; and Evaluation of Sociopreneurship
Effectiveness. The result of this program is the creation of UMBIESS products
that have certified nationally; as a pioneering pilot SMEs, which groups of
women farmers "Karya Mandiri UMBIESS"; and already have a marketing partner for
UMBIESS products to the public. Besides empowerment is expected to improve the
economy of the village society Gunungpati to exploit the potential of the local
area. UMBIESS product can be used as a community empowerment program that
creates new jobs, reducing poverty and enhancing food security sweet potato. So
that is contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).

1. Introduction

The head of state and inter-government in September 2015 agreed to set the world on a
path towards sustainable development through the adoption of the 2030 agenda for
sustainable development. This agenda includes 17 sustainable development goals, or
SDGs, the which sets out quantitative objectives across the social, economic, and
environmental dimensions of sustainable development all to achieved by 2030 (The
United Nations 2015). The second goal has a series of targets to support the three
interrelated components of the goal: ending hunger, achieving food security and
improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Making the second goal is
complicated as it couples natural processes with social and economic processes. Most
targets concern the promotion of sustainable agriculture; this creates an imbalance
and an additional objective proposed for nutrition. There is consensus on essential
food security and nutrition indicators, but trade-offs with the environmentally
focused goals make signs for sustainable agriculture more complex (Maryet al.
2015).

Indonesia is the third largest country in the world in producing a sweet potato.
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) is cultivated as a perennial in
tropical and subtropical lowland agro-ecologies, although it is well adapted to
other zones and can grow over widely different environments (Agriculture, Forestry,
and Fisheries 2011). According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
increase in productivity in 2020 to 0.61% of land area is 1.93% annually.
Nutritional content of sweet potato is the most complete than vegetables (Anjak
2010). Sweet potato contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, Tianjin,
riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. In addition to the content of
vitamins and minerals, the levels of carotenoids in sweet potato as the main
ingredient similar to the formation of vitamin A carotene in carrots (Nani &
Yati 2013). In addition to nutritional completeness, some purple sweet potato
contain anthocyanins which have a physiological function as cancer prevention,
protection from bacterial, protection from liver damage, heart and stroke disease,
as well as playing an important role in reflecting and repair of DNA, which can
optimize the function of the body's cells (Rosidah 2010).

Sweet potato in Indonesia has potential as planned development of industrial raw
materials, both for food and nonfood items. However, the sweet potato in Indonesia
has not been regarded as an essential commodity and not optimal in its use. One of
the areas that have the potential Semarang agricultural sector is quite large, and
contribute significantly to efforts to achieve food security in the city of
Semarang, which is in Gunungpati districts (Maria & Dicky 2012). The total area
of 54.11 km2, most of the territory consists of rice fields and
plantations. Based on data from National Statistics Agency (BPS) Semarang in 2015,
Gunungpati districts are the third-ranked as a most significant producer of sweet
potato in Semarang, with a period of production by 23 ton (Dinas Pertanian Kota
Semarang 2014).

Figure 1

The level of education and skills of the farmer in Gunungpati is limited or
relatively more low so that they can not access to formal employment (Nurma &
Iwan 2013). Residents mostly worked as a farmer; it is as much as 5.534 residents
(BPS2015). However, processing of agricultural products from sweet potato untapped
into high-value products or not used optimally. The sweet potato products are still
minimal. Food self-sufficiency and food processing alternatives currently
intensified by Semarang (Puji 2014).

Figure 2

The Livelihoods of Residents Gunungpati Districts in 2015.

Indonesian society is more interested in the beverage packaging, one of them is a
soft drink, but it is most contain preservatives and sweeteners are not natural.
Consumption of soft drinks plays a significant role in a variety of diseases like
obesity, diabetes, dental and bone disorders, and others, more so among children and
adolescents. The toxic effects of soft drinks have gained much attention, due to the
frequent scientific reports and media attention (Xavier et al.2007). Therefore,
empowerment by creating drink products innovation UMBIESS (Drink Sari Umbi) contains
nutrients for a healthy body. The purpose of this program is to increase the sale of
sweet potato, accelerating diversification with optimize the use of local food
sources available, and can be exported to various countries, so that UMBIESS have
high competitiveness in the international market. UMBIESS product is one of the
community empowerment programs that create self-reliance efforts to alleviate
poverty and strengthen food security of sweet potato, thus contributing to the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Methods

Community empowerment program UMBIESS production conducted in Gunungpati, Semarang.
To facilitate the people in producing and marketing products UMBIESS formed the
pioneer of SMEs, namely the Group of Women Farmers (GWF) "Karya Mandiri UMBIESS."
Social entrepreneurship (ecopreneurship) is the field in which entrepreneurs tailor
their activities to directly tied with the ultimate goal of creating social value
(Samer 2012). A method used in this Community Empowerment Program is ecopreneurship
method, namely by performing entrepreneurial UMBIESS production based on social
issues would be the lack of innovation in the use of agricultural products sweet
potato into a product that has a higher sale value. The steps committed in
ecopreneurship method can be shown in the chart as follows:

Figure 3

Sociopreneurship Methods of Community Empowerment Program UMBIESS
Production.

Forum group discussion (FGD)

Through the activities of the Forum Group Discussion (FGD) conducted public
education activities related to the potential goal sweet potato as raw material
for the food industry viewed from resources; the flexibility of the article; the
people acceptance; nutrient content; and business potential. At this untapped
stage also socialize potential sweet potato agricultural output that is around
Gunungpati, to use as an innovative product that is UMBIESS (Drinks Sari Umbi).
Communities also explained the purpose and benefit UMBIESS, how to manufacture,
marketing methods, and financial arrangements. In addition to socialization, at
this stage of discussions with the community about the formation of the
organization Group of Woman Farmers (GWF) "Karya Mandiri UMBIESS," so that the
establishment of the agreement and support of the community to the community
empowerment program.

Production practices

This stage is the most critical part of this empowerment program, started from
produce UMBIESS up with the establishment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(SMEs) which can explain as follows:

Production and certification of product

At this stage, prepared tools and sweet potato raw materials used for
production UMBIESS on a small scale to large scale. While the step of
manufacture includes: the manufacture of the starting material (cutting and
cooking), and the manufacture of Drink Sari Umbi (drink sari umbi
filtration, sterilization, the appropriate dose measurement, and other
materials to the mixing formulas become a product). UMBIESS production
process using the best quality of sweet potato that has been through the
treatment process are sterile and sanitary, and targets in this stage
obtained product certification from a national accreditation committee, such
as the P-IRT, BPOM, and Halal MUI.

Packaging and labeling

At this stage, the product UMBIESS ready to put into the packaging and
labeled as an appeal to marketing. Packaging products accompanied by a
variety of health information related to a wide range of sweet potato and
its benefits to health, to educate the public.

Establishment of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)

At this stage, cooperation with the local government to carry out the
registration of SMEs in Semarang City Cooperative Office. Establishment of
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) UMBIESS, by providing a semi-permanent
place to sell UMBIESS step is to gather the community to become a member of
this program.

Cooperation partnership

Through the establishment of SMEs, conducted sales and marketing strategy UMBIESS
products, such as marketing director and through partners. Direct marketing was
done by the sales Cash On Delivery (COD) to the consumers by the public. While
sales through partners made with an agreement for the purchase of products
UMBIESS. The partners are shops, food stalls to school canteens that are around
Gunungpati. Sales also performed with the center offering souvenirs in the city
of Semarang and other broader marketing.

Training and monitoring

At this stage of the instruction given to the Group of Women Farmers (GWF) "Karya
Mandiri UMBIESS" conducted regularly scheduled every month. It expects from the
training provided to improve the ability of farmers in producing quality
UMBIESS. Training gives in the form of how to manage agricultural land sweet
potato, manufacture UMBIESS production, production, and marketing training. By
using model “learning by doing” the farmers can absorb knowledge and knowledge
optimally. At this stage also be monitored from planting a sweet potato, land
management, production phase, up to the marketing stage, this monitoring aims to
ensure that all stages of the planned program can run effectively. Constraints
encountered in the field that can be quickly resolved so that the expected
results will be optimal.

Evaluation of sociopreneurship effectiveness

At this stage, the evaluation of the results of the implementation of the program
UMBIESS production, regarding qualitative (innovations produced and developed
the product) and quantitative (amount of products produced in a certain time
interval). Sociopreneurship evaluation can be measured by the achievement of an
increase in production capability UMBIESS, ensuring the sustainability program,
and reduced the problems faced by the community.

3. Results

Community Empowerment Program implementation results are as follows :

• The organizational structure of the Group of Women Farmers (GWF) "Karya
Mandiri UMBIESS."

• UMBIESS product and certification

• SMEs and Cooperation Partnership widely

The organizational structure of production UMBIESS, called Group of Women Farmers
(GWF) "Karya Mandiri UMBIESS." This organization serves to manage business group
UMBIEES be able to develop and be able to go well so that the production will be
more focused. The organizational structure of the Group of Woman Farmers (GWF)
"Karya Mandiri UMBIESS" is as follows:

Figure 4

Organizational Structure of the Group of Women Farmers"Karya Mandiri
UMBIESS".

The organizational structure of production UMBIESS consists of the farming community,
particularly the Group of Women Farmers (GWF). Empowerment to GWF is a strategy to
increase productive domestic economy so that the desired business group will be able
to develop independently by utilizing local potential which is directly managed by
the local community. So if the training program complete is expected communities can
continue and expand the program.

Besides the organizational structure, also set up a schedule for mentoring activities
for Community Empowerment Program UMBIESS production. The following is a schedule of
mentoring:

Table 1

Schedule Community Empowerment of UMBIESS Production.

No

Meeting

Activity

1

Meeting 1

Forum Group Discussion (FGD)

2

Meeting 2

1st Mentoring

3

Meeting 3

2nd Mentoring

4

Meeting 4

3rd Mentoring

5

Meeting 5

Small Scale Production and Marketing

6

Meeting 6

Monitoring dan Evaluation

7

Meeting 7

Establishment of SME and Cooperation Partners

8

Meeting 8

Large Scale Production and Marketing

9

Meeting 9

Monitoring dan Evaluation

10

Meeting 10

Production and Expanded Marketing

11

Meeting 11

Evaluation

In the process of this assistance has also been analyzed Cost of Production (CoP)
Product UMBIESS to specify sales price. Determination of Cost of Production and
Price Sales made by the community. While the advantages of this UMBIESS product
sales will be entered into by the group. Here is the Cost of Production (CoP)
UMBIESS identified by the communities.

Table 2

Cost of Production (CoP) for UMBIESS product.

No

Material(s)

Price

1

Sugar

IDR 2.000

2

Chocolate or Vanilla flavor

IDR 1.500

3

Bottle

IDR 1.000

4

Sticker

IDR 500

5

Sweet Potato

IDR 0 (free cost from the community)

TOTAL

IDR 5.000

After knowing Cost of Production (CoP) manufacture the product, then the pricing of
product as follows:

• Cost of Production (CoP) = IDR 5.000, -

• Basic Selling Price = IDR 5.000, -

• Retail Price = IDR 6.000, -

The results of the event are the product UMBIESS with basic raw materials of various
kinds of sweet potato (white sweet potato, sweet potato yellow, red sweet potato,
and sweet potato purple) combined with a variety of flavors are popular with the
public (original, vanilla, chocolate) and natural sweetener. UMBIESS products
hygienically packed in 250 ml bottles of practical size. Attractive packaging used
in UMBIESS equipped with all kinds of information related to sweet potato for health
benefits, as the intellectual effort (health education) to the public.

Figure 5

Bottles of UMBIESS Products.

Figure 6

Packaging Design of UMBIESS products for Health Education.

Not only from the process of production and marketing, but the making of UMBIESS also
performed arrangements trademarks and certification PIRT, BPOM, and Halal MUI, so
UMBIESS product has been proven safe for consumption.

4. Discussion

The potential of sweet potato as the raw materials industry of food in Indonesia is
still huge, the cultivation of sweet potato is smooth and the harvest period is
short, causing material resources abundantly available, besides sweet potato also
have high flexibility in processing, its nutritional content is complete even some
of them are very important substance for the body as physiological function is
anthocyanin and Carotene as antioxidants and fiber prebiotic rapinasa functioning.
Another potential of sweet potato is the people acceptance of the product from sweet
potato to be appreciated by the public as necessary materials well known in the
community.

With the potential of sweet potato in Indonesia, the product innovation drinks
UMBIESS can be used as one of the Program for Community Empowerment to increase the
sale value sweet potato, accelerating diversification, strengthen food security
yams, create self-sufficiency efforts to alleviate poverty, and potentially exported
to many countries in the international market. So that the product UMBIESS can
contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

5. Conclusions

Through this community empowerment program Gunungpati, Semarang can increase economic
capabilities independently with exploiting the potential of existing local products.
UMBIESS beverage product innovation can be used as one of the leading Indonesian
products to be exported to various countries so that the product UMBIESS have high
competitiveness in the market international to support Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the Diponegoro University and the Faculty of Public Health that has helped
the research of this program, thanks to Mr. Budiyono, SKM.M, Kes as supervisor; Dawn
Bintari Fajar Kurnianingtyas, Diah Palupi Nur Indarti, as well as Auliya Rahmawati
as a team member; thank all the friends Diponegoro University who participated in
the making of this paper, as well as to thanks the committee that has held The
2nd International Meeting of Public Health (IMOPH),
2016.

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